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They also voted in favour of authorising their leaders and chief executives to seek an urgent meeting with the Secretary of State and to work with central government and local partners to agree a new devolution deal.

It is not known how long it could take to put together a fresh devolution deal. The proposals on the table this week took two years to develop.

"Disappointment"

Leader of St Edmundsbury Borough Council John Griffiths said on Monday: “I admit that I am very disappointed and rather amazed that the decision of some Norfolk councils means this is no longer likely to happen and we will be turning away the £1 billion for jobs, homes and transport.”

But some St Edmundsbury councillors saw the Norfolk council’s rejection of the deal as an opportunity to negotiate a better one. Cllrs Tony Brown and Diane Hind expressed concerns about the extent of mayoral powers under the current proposals.

Leader of Suffolk County Council Colin Noble added: "It is a great shame that some authorities in Norfolk ended any chance for a joint Suffolk and Norfolk deal last week but we are committed to explore what can be achieved for Suffolk."

It is not known whether a Suffolk-only deal or a partnership with some local authorities outside the county will now be sought.

Reports will be made back to the councils as the process goes forward.